KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister for Information and Transport, Sharjeel Inam Memon, officially launched the women-only “Pink Taxi” service and the EV Pink Scooty initiative.
The announcement, made during a high-profile ceremony in Karachi on Wednesday, underscores the provincial government’s commitment to providing secure, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation for women.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister Memon highlighted that the Pink Taxi service is a direct response to the rising complaints of harassment faced by women in private ride-hailing services.
– Exclusive Service: The fleet will be operated exclusively by female drivers for female passengers.
– Empowerment through Training: The Minister revealed that the government is providing free driving licenses and training to women. So far, over 20,000 women have applied for licenses.
The Minister also distributed free electric scooters under the “EV Pink Scooty” scheme, noting that Sindh is currently the only province providing these vehicles to women free of charge.
“The purpose of the EV Pink Scooty is to empower our women, allowing them to commute to work and educational institutions with dignity and independence,” Memon stated.
Beyond transport, Sharjeel Memon outlined a vision for a sustainable economy centered on the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Following President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China, the government is prioritizing EV manufacturing.
– Job Creation: Investors are being urged to set up EV manufacturing plants in Dhabeji to boost local industry and employment.
– Green Transit: The Minister confirmed that electric buses are already operating successfully, with more units expected to join the fleet soon.
Acknowledging the current economic climate, the Minister expressed concern over rising inflation, specifically the hike in milk and oil prices. He shared that a high-level meeting was recently held at the President’s House to devise strategies for providing relief to the public.
He called for national unity, urging citizens and stakeholders to maintain a positive narrative about the country. “In both good and bad situations, we must protect the image of our nation,” he remarked.
